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Mon, 10 Dec 2018 12:34:44 +0000en-UShourly1http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cropped-life-512-32x32.pnghttp://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za
3232What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/difference-psychiatrist-psychologist/
http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/difference-psychiatrist-psychologist/#respondMon, 10 Dec 2018 12:34:44 +0000http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/?p=1198For starters, below are four key differences between psychiatrists and psychologists: Psychiatrists are medical practitioners, psychologists are not. Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication, psychologists can’t. Psychiatrists are equipped to treat serious and complicated mental illness; psychologists treat less severe conditions. You will need a referral from a doctor to see a psychiatrist, but don’t […]

You will need a referral from a doctor to see a psychiatrist, but don’t for a psychologist.

A large quantity of people get psychologists and psychiatrists confused with one another. Both specialists understand how the brain works, our emotions and thoughts. Both are also able to treat mental illness with psychological treatments.

However, psychiatrists undertake medical school and become doctors before specialising in mental health. Because they are medical specialists, psychiatrists understand the connection between physical and mental problems.

Training

Psychiatrists are medical practitioners with around 11 years of training. They will first do a medical degree, and then they will spend a few years training as a general doctor.

After this, they then complete 5 years of training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.

Psychologists have around 6 years of training and supervised experience. They may also have a masters or doctorate qualification in psychology.

Treatments Provided

Psychiatrists are able to provide a wide range of treatments, according to the specific problem and what will work the best. These may include:

Psychological treatments

Medication

Brain stimulation therapies

General medical care

Psychologists focus more on providing psychological treatments and therapies.

Do they work together?

Psychiatrists and psychologists frequently work together. A psychiatrist may form an initial assessment and diagnosis, and thereafter refer you to a specific psychologist for ongoing therapy.

In addition, psychiatrists and psychologists may work together in hospitals as part of mental health teams.

If you are looking for a psychiatrist, visit Fourways Health Centre for the best psychiatrist in Johannesburg. Dr Galvin graduated as a medical doctor from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2010. Visit our website today or enquire online and make a booking online!

]]>http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/difference-psychiatrist-psychologist/feed/0Psychiatry and Mehttp://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/psychiatry-and-me/
http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/psychiatry-and-me/#respondFri, 07 Sep 2018 17:26:43 +0000http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/?p=1153What else can I do to maintain my mental wellbeing? As has been discussed under previous topics above, not all mental illness requires medication. Unfortunately, some mental illness needs medication and it is vital to take medication as it has been prescribed. Your psychiatrist will talk to you about your diagnosis and need for medication […]

What else can I do to maintain my mental wellbeing?

As has been discussed under previous topics above, not all mental illness requires medication. Unfortunately, some mental illness needs medication and it is vital to take medication as it has been prescribed. Your psychiatrist will talk to you about your diagnosis and need for medication individually as each person has their own unique needs. Although there are lifestyle choices that can be beneficial in maintaining mental and physical health, these are not a substitute for medication if it is needed but rather go hand-in-hand with taking medication.

Some other things that can help with mental and physical health include techniques to manage stress and build coping skills, getting into a regular routine with sleeping and making healthy lifestyle choices. There is increasing evidence for exercise and a healthy diet to promote wellbeing and to prevent other illnesses as we age. Regular checkups are also important to prevent and screen for other illnesses and your psychiatrist may request tests such as cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney functioning and medication levels from time to time.

]]>http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/psychiatry-and-me/feed/0Meeting my Psychiatristhttp://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/meeting-my-psychiatrist/
http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/meeting-my-psychiatrist/#respondFri, 07 Sep 2018 17:20:07 +0000http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/?p=1149What can I expect the first time I meet my Psychiatrist? Your first appointment with a psychiatrist will be a longer appointment than usual. Your psychiatrist will take a detailed history from you. Some of the questions they will ask you will include your reason for coming now, your past medical history and past and […]

What can I expect the first time I meet my Psychiatrist?

Your first appointment with a psychiatrist will be a longer appointment than usual. Your psychiatrist will take a detailed history from you. Some of the questions they will ask you will include your reason for coming now, your past medical history and past and current life circumstances. Some questions may not be relevant to you but they are important as they help your psychiatrist to screen for other diagnoses that may present with similar symptoms.

It is important to be open and honest and to tell your psychiatrist what you expect from the session as well. They will give you information on your diagnosis and answer any questions you may have. They will discuss various treatment options and you will work together to find the best treatment options for you. They may refer you to occupational therapy, a psychologist or for further tests (such as a brain scan or blood tests) as needed.

]]>http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/meeting-my-psychiatrist/feed/0Pregnancy and Mental Healthhttp://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/pregnancy-mental-health/
http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/pregnancy-mental-health/#respondFri, 07 Sep 2018 17:13:21 +0000http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/?p=1146Why is perinatal mental health important? Pregnancy and the birth of a child is a time of joy for many women however it may also be a time of great stress. Many women will look back and acknowledge that with all the joy and wonder of bringing a new life into the world, there were […]

Why is perinatal mental health important?

Pregnancy and the birth of a child is a time of joy for many women however it may also be a time of great stress. Many women will look back and acknowledge that with all the joy and wonder of bringing a new life into the world, there were also many challenges. A new baby brings about much change and with it there may be stressors such as reduced sleep, financial stress and changes in how roles are managed in the relationship with their partner and at work. Additionally, pregnancy and the postpartum period cause hormonal changes.

All of these changes may predispose women to developing mental illness. If women become mentally unwell this can influence how they bond with and care for their children if they are not given support and treatment when needed. Additionally, women who experience mental illness while pregnant or after the birth of their child may have added concerns regarding taking medication in case it affects them or the baby negatively or fear stigma from others if they speak out about their mental illness.

Women who are already on treatment for mental illness may also have concerns about falling pregnant or worry about the affect of medication on their baby versus the risk that they become mentally unwell if they stop medication during this period where they may be vulnerable to a relapse.

These concerns need to be spoken about on an individual basis with the treating psychiatrist as every person and their situation is different. Women with mental illness and their psychiatrists need to work together to find the best plan to manage their mental illness during this critical time.

]]>http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/pregnancy-mental-health/feed/0Female Mental Healthhttp://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/female-mental-health/
http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/female-mental-health/#respondFri, 07 Sep 2018 17:08:25 +0000http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/?p=1144What does Female Mental Health mean? Mental health is not just the absence of disease but rather means to be in a state of emotional and psychological well being. Women and men may be affected by mental illness differently. Some illnesses such as anxiety and depression occur more often in women than in men. Women […]

What does Female Mental Health mean?

Mental health is not just the absence of disease but rather means to be in a state of emotional and psychological well being. Women and men may be affected by mental illness differently. Some illnesses such as anxiety and depression occur more often in women than in men. Women may also have some mental illnesses that are unique to their gender, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, where they may have difficulties with their mood at certain times of the menstrual cycle. Additionally, hormonal changes may affect women’s well being. Women may experience depression after the birth of a baby or when they begin menopause.

Some illnesses mentioned above can affect women in various roles and stages of life. Women with depression after the birth of a child may find that it is harder for them to adapt to their new role as a mother. Similarly, depression may affect libido and how one views oneself and women may find that their self esteem and relationships may be affected. Memory and concentration as well as motivation and energy levels may also be affected with far reaching implications involving family, career and leisure activities. Maintaining mental health is vital for everyone but female mental health care is specifically tailored to women.

]]>http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/female-mental-health/feed/0Psychiatry and Medicationhttp://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/psychiatry-and-medication/
http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/psychiatry-and-medication/#respondFri, 07 Sep 2018 17:06:13 +0000http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/?p=1140Will my psychiatrist prescribe medication? Many, but not all, illnesses that affect the mind have been shown to be linked to changes in the chemicals in the brain. Examples of these chemical include serotonin, dopamine, noradrenalin, GABA and glutamate. Sometimes other illnesses can also cause symptoms of mental illness. Examples of other illnesses that can […]

Will my psychiatrist prescribe medication?

Many, but not all, illnesses that affect the mind have been shown to be linked to changes in the chemicals in the brain. Examples of these chemical include serotonin, dopamine, noradrenalin, GABA and glutamate. Sometimes other illnesses can also cause symptoms of mental illness. Examples of other illnesses that can cause symptoms of mental illness include thyroid problems, infections and epilepsy to name just a few.

When you go to the psychiatrist they will initially spend some time with you to diagnose your illness. They may also ask for some tests to exclude other medical conditions.

Not all mental illness requires medication. Some mental illnesses respond better to therapy while other mental illnesses may become more severe if left untreated and need medication. The severity of your symptoms also needs to be taken into account. Your psychiatrist will discuss your diagnosis with you. From there they will discuss whether they feel medication is needed and what treatment options are available. They will discuss the risks and benefits of medication and any alternate treatments that may be available to be used instead or in conjunction with medication depending on your diagnosis.

It is important to take medication as prescribed as taking medication incorrectly can increase side effects or lead to the medication no longer working. It is important to discuss your medication and symptoms with your psychiatrist who will help you make decisions regarding medication. Although the medication is not addictive, stopping the medication suddenly does not give your brain time to adapt to the changes in chemical levels in the brain and can put you at risk of symptoms of mental illness returning. Some illnesses require a shorter course of medication while other illnesses may be chronic and it is important to discuss this with your psychiatrist.

]]>http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/psychiatry-and-medication/feed/0Psychology vs. Psychiatryhttp://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/psychology-vs-psychiatry/
http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/psychology-vs-psychiatry/#respondFri, 07 Sep 2018 16:57:00 +0000http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/?p=1137What is the difference between psychology and psychiatry? People often ask what the difference between psychology and psychiatry is. Psychologists are professionals who have extensively studied psychotherapy and how to treat mental and emotional difficulties. They are skilled in providing therapy to help people with their problems. Psychiatrists on the other hand, are trained medical […]

What is the difference between psychology and psychiatry?

People often ask what the difference between psychology and psychiatry is.

Psychologists are professionals who have extensively studied psychotherapy and how to treat mental and emotional difficulties. They are skilled in providing therapy to help people with their problems.

Psychiatrists on the other hand, are trained medical doctors who have gone on after medical school to further specialise in treating illnesses involving the mind. They understand how changes in the chemistry of the brain can cause symptoms of mental illness which need medication to treat them. A psychiatrist will primarily use medication (however this may be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and lifestyle change) to treat mental illness when medication is needed while a psychologist does not prescribe and primarily uses psychotherapy to help patients with their difficulties.

Despite the difference, psychology and psychiatry often go hand in hand and people may gain benefit from both, often used together.

]]>http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/psychology-vs-psychiatry/feed/0What is Psychiatry?http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/what-is-psychiatry/
http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/what-is-psychiatry/#respondFri, 07 Sep 2018 16:48:57 +0000http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/?p=1134Psychiatry means “a healing of the soul” and get its origins from the Greek word psykhe, meaning “mind,” and iatreia, meaning “healing, care.” Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that specialises in the complex interactions between the functioning of the brain, the physical body, emotions and the mind. Psychiatrists are specialised medical doctors who treat illnesses of the mind. They may […]

Psychiatry means “a healing of the soul” and get its origins from the Greek word psykhe, meaning “mind,” and iatreia, meaning “healing, care.”

Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that specialises in the complex interactions between the functioning of the brain, the physical body, emotions and the mind.

Psychiatrists are specialised medical doctors who treat illnesses of the mind. They may do this using medication but also by using other treatments such as psychotherapy and lifestyle change.

When psychiatry was still in its infancy, like many branches of medicine, treatments were limited and people were admitted for long periods of time to facilities for people with mental illness. With the advent of new medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers and antipsychotics, people with severe mental illness had a new hope of treatment that would allow them to resume their roles as spouse, parent, breadwinner.

Psychiatry however is not just about medication and has shifted to a more holistic approach, using medication as needed but also looking at the person as a whole and how their beliefs and culture affect their thoughts and actions. This growing field is ever increasing in understanding from how our very genes, cellular structure and hormones influence our mental health and in turn how our mental health affects these components of our physical bodies.

Psychiatry no longer focuses on only reducing symptoms of mental illness, but rather looks to improve functioning and the person’s sense of well being.

]]>http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/what-is-psychiatry/feed/0The Importance of Monitoring Your Blood Pressurehttp://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/importance-monitoring-blood-pressure/
http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/importance-monitoring-blood-pressure/#respondThu, 07 Jun 2018 13:48:37 +0000http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/?p=1115The Importance of Monitoring Your Blood Pressure In our stressful world we are constantly being bombarded with all these alarming facts and messages about how we need to take care of ourselves and how all the things that we have been doing, like sitting and using our computers or smart devices could be killing us. […]

The Importance of Monitoring Your Blood Pressure

In our stressful world we are constantly being bombarded with all these alarming facts and messages about how we need to take care of ourselves and how all the things that we have been doing, like sitting and using our computers or smart devices could be killing us. Of course these messages scare us, and that is their job, to make us aware and bring about behavioural change. They bring about a big overall change such as health, blood pressure or chemical reactions in our brains.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

There are a number of causes for high blood pressure, and they include:

Being overweight or of an unhealthy weight

Smoking

Lack of exercise

Too much salt in your diet

Stress

High alcohol consumption

Family history / genetics

Old age

Thyroid problems

What Causes Low Blood Pressure?

People are also at a health risk if their blood pressure is too low, and there are a few causes for this, which includes:

Nutritional deficiencies

Heart problems

Prolonged bed rest

Endocrine problems

Decrease in blood volume

Severe infections

Why Do We Need to Focus on Healthy Blood Pressure?

By ensuring that you have a healthy blood pressure, you are taking care of your arteries and your heart by keeping them strong, flexible and clear of any blockages or clots. By taking care of such a vital organ, you are preventing the horrible acts, which could occur over time, such as heart attacks, dementia, kidney disease and strokes. Each of these phenomena is life change events and life threatening. They can drastically change the quality of your life. A very low blood pressure could indicate other serious health problems within your body.

Fourways Health Centre

It is so important to monitor your blood pressure regularly with a medical professional that will be able to assist you in the correct course of treatment. Fourways Health Centre is home to the qualified and professional Dr Bart Kurek. Visit their website to find out more about he is able to help you and your family stay healthy!

]]>http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/importance-monitoring-blood-pressure/feed/0Signs you need to see a Podiatristhttp://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/signs-need-see-podiatrist/
http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/signs-need-see-podiatrist/#respondWed, 09 May 2018 07:16:50 +0000http://fourwayshealthcentre.co.za/?p=1111When it’s time to assess and manage foot problems and pain, a podiatrist is the best person to assist you to get back on track. In addition to around four years of studies to specialise in the foot, podiatrists may specialise in skin and nail issues, musculoskeletal pain and injuries or a diabetic foot. A […]

When it’s time to assess and manage foot problems and pain, a podiatrist is the best person to assist you to get back on track. In addition to around four years of studies to specialise in the foot, podiatrists may specialise in skin and nail issues, musculoskeletal pain and injuries or a diabetic foot.

A sports podiatry consultation usually includes am all-inclusive assessment of the area of pain, a walking assessment as well as a short and long-term management plan.

A podiatrists main role is to pinpoint if there are any hidden mechanical issues contributing to the pain, then a management plan to correct the structural driver may be required. Stretching exercises, gait advice and footwear recommendations may also be included.

If there is no exact clinical correlation between your biomechanics and pain, then further examination and referral to a podiatrist may be essential.

Aching Feet

A regular presentation for retailers and tradesmen alike, fatigue of the legs and feet are often present after long periods of standing and walking. It is usually related to poor footwear and may be related with high arch or low arch foot posture.

Bone Deformities

Bone malformations are often caused by mechanical dysfunction resulting in a gradual shift in a protruding bone and bone alignment. Osteoarthritic adjustment at the joint and surrounding may also happen.

Before visiting a surgeon’s office, traditional management to state the mechanical dysfunction including supportive devices, simple unloading, appropriate footwear may also result in a great improvement in pain.

Skin & Nail Issues

A general podiatrist is your first point of contact for nail and skin problems of the foot. Often a pain-free, simple debridement of built up dead skin may immediately resolve pain with the feet.

Podiatrists are also very well equipped to manage and diagnose skin conditions including warts and blisters. Ingrown and fungal nails are also best managed by a podiatrist.

Diabetes-related Problems

As a section of a comprehensive diabetic management plan is to reduce diabetic foot complications, a podiatrist’s part is to make sure the skin that is supplied by diabetic-effected vascular and nerves are carefully monitored.

Having issues with your feet? Visit Fourways Health Centre for the best podiatrist in Johannesburg! We have expert foot doctors that will assist in the diagnoses as well as treatment of your foot, ankle and lower limb pathologies. Enquire on our website for more information today!